Despite a brilliant start we lost out to Carrigtwohill by 2 points at Kilavullen today in the relegation play off . Ballyhea started on fire with a Sean O'Kelly point and goals from John Morrissey and Tom Hanley , followed by further points from John Morrissey , Tom Hanley and Gavin Morrissey to lead 2-4 to 0-0 after only 6 minutes . The east cork side reorganised their defence withdrawing a forward to play with 7 backs and gradually they got a grip with a strong wind at their back scoring 6 points without reply . Ballyhea still led at half time 2-6 to 0-10. Carrigtwohill struck for a goal in the 37th minute to draw level . Ballyhea were awarded a penalty 3 minutes later but the keeper did well to save Pa's shot . Points though from Timmy Shanahan and Tom Hanley put us 2 clear again . Mikey Browne had to be alert to deny the winners a goal in the 43rd and 48th minutes .Carrig replied with two more points to restore parity with 8 minutes remaining . Pa O'Callaghan pointed another free before disaster struck as were reduced to 14 men and Carrig scored their second goal to go three ahead . Ballyhea's response was immediate and Tom Hanley crashed home a brilliant goal to tie up the scores again with four minutes to go . Having drawn twice already this year in the c'ship another draw looked on the cards but the winners finished well with 3 points to our solitary John Morrissey point . Ballyhea need to avoid finishing in the bottom two again next year to maintain our senior status .